The primary goal in the research partnership between CIRA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL) Decision Support Branch in Silver Spring, MD, is to keep abreast of advanced technology and apply it to CIRA and MDL in support of decision support tools and technologies. The partnership is focused upon providing technical expertise to MDL, providing a framework to foster innovation, science sharing, and development of new tools and services within the NWS with the goal of streamlining the transition of research to operations. Office will be in Silver Spring, MD; however, the option exists to work remotely from your home/office with periodic coordination meetings in Silver Spring.

Position Summary

The efforts of the individual in this position will be on research and development of the Local Climate Analysis Tool (LCAT). It is an online, interactive tool that will enable NWS forecasters and other registered users to conduct regional and local climate studies using station and reanalysis gridded data and various statistical techniques for climate analysis. LCAT will provides users with “best practice” climatological analysis techniques, saving time for the user and guaranteeing scientifically sound output. The analysis results could be used for Decision Support Services activities, to guide local decision makers in weather and climate-sensitive actions. LCAT augments current climate reference materials with information pertinent to the local/regional level as they apply to diverse variables appropriate to each locality. The LCAT study results will allow users to supplement NOAA NWS climate forecasts with value-added information and increase expertise regarding the impact of climate variability and change at a local level. The LCAT outcomes will also be useful for governmental, economic, and business planning guidance.

Required Job Qualifications

-A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Climatology, Meteorology, or related technical field of study, plus 10 years of experience in a related technical field is required;
-Minimum of 10 years of practical technical experience designed and programming in an object-oriented language is required;
-Proven leadership abilities, including experience leading IT development projects, is required;
-Demonstrated knowledge of LINUX OS is required;
-Experience with PHP, Perl, and JavaScript is required;
-Experience using “R” statistical software is required;
-Experience with relational databases (e.g., MySQL and/or PostgreSQL) is required

Preferred Job Qualifications

-High degree of initiative, excellent communication skills, and applicable systems and software development experience;
-Ability to function well as an effective member of a project team where adherence to design, coding, and other project conventions;
-Experience developing web mapping services;
-Experience supporting and maintaining large projects;
-Knowledge of operational meteorology, NWS operations, and NWS users;
-Experience working with global forecast model data (e.g., GRIB data from WRF and GSM models);
-Experience with Eclipse, issue tracking, and revision control (specifically Git and/or Subversion);
-Experience with continuous integration (e.g., Jenkins or Hudson);
-Experience with Gerrit code review;
-Experience developing software in a Linux, Windows, and/or Mac environment;
-Experience setting up your own development environment;
-Familiarity with CSS, Apache HTTP, and Apache Tomcat;
-Experience troubleshooting issues
-Experience developing web application software using Java;
-Must be reliable, self-motivated, and comfortable working in an agile and creative team environment

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Please utilize the cover letter to address the required and preferred job qualifications as related to your professional experience. References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicants.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University (CSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.